Letter 40: Reading With Our Children
Letter 40: Reading With Our Children
When we use children’s books as meaningful conversation starters
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Happy Wednesday! We are feeling grateful for an extra hour of sunlight to enjoy during our Spring Break week.
One tradition my husband and I have started with our daughter is reading a chapter of a book out loud at bedtime. We do this most nights, and we’ve even been known to continue the practice while one of us is out of town, reading over FaceTime. While our daughter can’t grasp the complexities of Charlotte’s sacrifice for her friend Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web or the hilarity of Jo singeing Meg’s hair in Little Women quite yet (she’s still under two!), I know that this tradition is laying a foundation of closeness, affection, and attachment within our small family. I hope that one day when Lottie is older, through our reading of novels together, she will be open to talking about topics that will naturally arise. And this is precisely the intention of Katie’s letter today.
You will remember Katie from Letter 10, a piece on reading to her twins throughout their lives. Reading (and literacy) is Katie’s area of expertise as a Professor at Middle Tennessee State University, and as I wrote in the intro to Katie’s previous piece, if Katie recommends a practice, I’m definitely going to listen! —Emily
“Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth.”
Albert Camus
I am an educator by profession and a book hoarder by choice. I find children’s books to be little works of art that make me laugh, cry, and think. My twins and I love to read together, which I wrote about in Letter 10.
Books are powerful springboards for important conversations. If you are like me, you might need some scaffolding as you venture into having deep conversations with your kids. Using a book as the starting point for these difficult topics helps me begin conversations with my kids and helps me build my muscles for having these conversations at times when books are not present.
One of my favorite questions I get as an educator-slash-book hoarder is, “What books do you recommend?”
I’ve put together a list of recommendations for both elementary-aged kids (approximately Pre-K through fourth grade) and upper elementary-middle school kids (approximately fourth through eighth grade).
But first, here are a few tips for using books as tools for conversation with kids:
Choose a book to read with family or a group of trusted friends. Books with diverse characters, written by diverse authors, can expand a reader’s experience and grow empathy.
Reading is an interactive event! Plan time for multiple discussions. A good rule of thumb is to plan three places to stop and talk.
Talking about books can serve as a social rehearsal, growing our muscles for critical, peaceful discussion. Ask yourself and your reading group these questions:
Whose story is being told in this book?
Whose voice is being left out?
Who does this book affirm?
Who does this book silence?
What is this book trying to teach me?
What is this book inspiring me to do?
What action can I take?
Go read and talk with a kid today. You won’t regret it!
Book Recommendations for Elementary-Aged Children
Use Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall to talk about finding the courage to be your true inner self and supporting others to do the same! “Red has a bright red label, but he is, in fact, blue.”
Use Zonia’s Rainforest by Juana Martinez-Neal to talk about caring for the Earth and the consequences of what can happen when we don’t. The amazing back matter in this book tells the story of the Asháninka community of Peru.
After the Fall by Dan Santat is about how Humpty Dumpty “got back up again” after his infamous fall. It will spark discussion about resilience, a growth mindset, and facing our fears.
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad is the perfect introduction to converse about the beauty and honor of hijab. I love the sister bond shared in this story. The author is an Olympic medalist in fencing, and you can watch her fence in hijab here.
Book Recommendations for Upper Elementary and Middle School-Aged Children
Yes, you should read to and with your older kids, too!
From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks is about 12-year-old Zoe and her quest to understand the truth about her father’s imprisonment. This book will spark discussions about racism and wrongful convictions.
Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park features a protagonist named Hanna who is half-Asian in small-town America in the 1880s. If you love Little House on the Prairie, pair it with this book. Prairie Lotus is a diverse, modern twist on the same time period and will spark discussion on the voices left out of the Little House books.
Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee provides an amazing introduction to harassment and unwanted attention young women can experience even in Middle School. This heartfelt story is a must-read and discuss!
El Deafo by Cece Bell and David Lasky is a graphic novel that will help students understand the deaf experience of author Cece Bell.
Katie’s 5 Favorites
Gavin Dees (@thegavindees) on Instagram or Tiktok: All of his videos make me laugh, but I especially giggle at the Millennial church service videos.
Nitro Cold Brew Coffee from Starbucks: I think it is interesting to know people’s coffee orders, so here is mine!
Fearless by Isabela Merced: This is a kid’s song from the movie Spirit Untamed. I love the message this song gives for both my children AND me.
Ted Lasso on Apple TV+: Y’all, this show makes me so happy! If you want a show that will just make you smile, this is the one for you.
Fitish Dewing It moisturizer: I love all of the Fitish CBD-based beauty products!
With gratitude,
Katie Schrodt
P.S. Tell us about a book you love reading with a child in your life. We love your recommendations!
Katie’s Past Letter
